Harvest Moons (apple pocket pies)

As I've mentioned in recent  posts I'm all about apple picking. Every year in my home we seek out a local orchard and pick until we can not find any more space to stash the hand picked, lovingly harvested apples. Last year we picked over 75 pounds of apples that I processed myself. I made applesauce (two types), apple pie filling, apple butter and plenty of pies and cakes. With apple harvest right around the corner I'm absolutely devoted to trying to use up the last remnants of last years apple hoard. Although I'm somewhat amazed that I do this every year theres about 4 months where we consume A LOT of apples. You'd think I would consume it equally throughout the year but for whatever reason that is not the case.

On this afternoon I made what I call Harvest moons. Its a pierogi dough filled with home made chunky spiced applesauce (you may be able to find a store variety thats chunky and spiced, i'm not quite sure). I'm not sure its traditional to use such a chewy dough for pocket pies however its the way I've always done it. It prevents small hands from picking them up and making a mess, it allows for a pleasing texture variation from the soft applesauce filling, it almost reminds me of a pop-tart , sweet pierogi are no stranger to me. The best thing about this recipe is not only the usage of easy to grab household items but you can make them in bulk and freeze them ahead of time. Make three dozen, freeze two and you have pocket pies just perfect for an after school snack. I cant think of anything more inviting than coming home from a long day to a home that smells like fresh apple pie! The assembly is identical to traditional pierogi but the pastries are baked instead of boiled. I can not wait until apple harvest this year, you would think I'd be getting tired of apples but I am not. (yet)